New Light

Volunteer Opportunities: Yes

History

New Light is a nonprofit community development and charitable trust based in Kalighat, Kolkata, one of the oldest red light districts of the city. Since 2000, New Light has provided shelter, educational opportunities, recreational facilities, healthcare and legal aid for the children, girls and women in the Kalighat community. There is a creche and night shelter for the protection and education of victims of trafficking, women in prostitution and children rescued from red light areas. New Light also provides micro-credit facilities and an income-generation program (Anchal) for mothers within the area. With regard to healthcare, New Light is particularly concerned with HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment. New Light is a secular organization, and women from all religious communities are invited to join the organization. The demographic composition reflects India's diversity, with Hindi-speaking and non-Indian women from Nepal and Bangladesh representing 30% of the community.

Mission

The mission of New Light is to promote gender equality through education and life-skill training, thereby reducing harm caused by violence and abuse to women and young children.